Why is My Toilet Leaking at the Base?

Is water pooling on the bathroom floor around the toilet? Don’t ignore
this problem! If the toilet is leaking from the base, this water has come
from the toilet bowl and is not sanitary. The dirty water may even have
a sewer smell to it. If left untreated, your toilet will continue to leak
a little with each flush, resulting in
water damage to the flooring, subfloor, and possibly the ceiling of the floor below.

Here’s a look at why your toilet is leaking at the base and how to fix it.

Test the Leaky Toilet

This type of leak usually occurs when you flush the toilet. To make sure
the “leak” isn’t merely condensation on the toilet bowl,
soak up the water with paper towels and flush the toilet again. A pool
may also form on the bathroom floor if you have a loose water supply line
or faulty shut-off valve. Examine the hoses behind the toilet to rule
out this possibility.

Tighten the Toilet Tee Bolts

If the toilet continues to leak at the base when flushed, it might not
be bolted tightly to the floor. Look at the base of the toilet, and you’ll
see two tee bolts, which might be covered with caps. If the wax ring under
these bolts doesn’t form a water-tight seal, the toilet will leak
from the base when you flush it.

To fix this problem, simply tighten the bolts that hold the toilet to the
floor. You may need a putty knife or flathead screwdriver to pry off the
caps. Tighten the bolts a little at a time, alternating from the left
bolt to the right one. Be careful not to over-tighten, or the
toilet base could crack. If the bolts just spin when you attempt to tighten
them, you might need new ones.

Replace the Wax Ring

Test the repair by flushing the toilet. If water still pools around the
base, this means a failing wax ring is causing the leak. Fortunately,
wax rings are inexpensive and relatively straightforward to replace, though
you’ll need to remove the toilet to get the job done. This job can
take a few hours to complete and may require two people. If you don’t
feel up to it, call a plumber for help. Otherwise, follow these DIY instructions:

Purchase a replacement wax ring at a home improvement store.

Turn off the water supply behind the toilet and flush it to empty the tank.
Mop up any leftover water in the tank and bowl with an old towel.

Unscrew the tee bolts, remove the toilet from the floor, and lay it on its side.

Clean away the deteriorated wax ring from the toilet base and flange and
install the new one. If the toilet tee bolts are corroded, replace them as well.

Reinstall the toilet in its original position. Tighten the tee bolts little
by little on alternating sides until they’re secure.

Turn the water supply back on and flush the toilet to test for leaks.

Wait a few days to ensure the problem is solved. Then, install caulk around
the base of the toilet to prevent mop water and spills from seeping under
the toilet, which could cause mould or unpleasant odours.

Contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing for Help Fixing a Toilet Leaking from the Base

This blog is made available by Mr. Rooter LLC, for educational purposes
only to give the reader general information and a general understanding
on the specific subject above. The blog should not be used as a substitute
for a licensed plumbing professional in your state or region. Check with
city and state laws before performing any household project.